Here’s how to get nail polish out of clothes:
- 1. Scrape off any excess nail polish with a dull object
- 2. Dab the stain with nail polish remover
- 3. Rinse with soap and cold water
- 4. Machine-wash as usual with a laundry pod
We’ve all been there: One minute you’re giving yourself an at-home manicure like a budget-conscious beauty queen, and the next, your favorite shirt looks like it’s been through a Jackson Pollock phase.
Nail polish is basically a cocktail of resins, plasticizers, and colorants. Translation: It’s a sticky, pigmented nightmare that bonds with fabric faster than you can say, “Manicure Monday.” If you’re not careful, trying to scrub it out like any old stain will only make things worse.
Luckily, you can erase the evidence of your mishap with a little patience and the right technique. In this guide, we’ll give you step-by-step instructions to remove nail polish stains from clothes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A dull spoon
- Cotton balls
- Soap
- Non-acetone nail polish remover or rubbing alcohol
- A towel
- Laundry detergent pods
Pro tip: Always test your stain removal technique on an inconspicuous part of your garment (like the inside seam) to make sure the products don’t damage the fabric.
1. Scrape Off Any Excess Nail Polish
First things first: Gently scrape off as much nail polish as you can before starting the stain-removal process. We recommend using the edge of a spoon, but you can use a butter knife, an old credit card, or anything else with a dull edge that won’t scrape your fabric.
Do your best to avoid spreading the nail polish—steady hands, deep breaths, you got this.
2. Pre-Treat the Stain with Non-Acetone Nail Polish Remover
Place an old towel on the underside of the stain to absorb the nail polish remover as you work. Next, dip a cotton ball in the nail polish remover and gently dab the stain. This should remove most of the color.
If you don’t have nail polish remover, you can use rubbing alcohol to get the same effect. Just be careful with this stuff—it’s powerful and can affect the fabric if you don’t try a spot test first.
3. Rinse with Soap and Cold Water
After you’ve removed most of the stain, it’s time for some good old-fashioned soap and water. Grab some dish soap or laundry detergent and gently work it into the fabric, then flush the stained area with cold water.
Never use hot water when you’re dealing with nail polish stains—the heat can cause the colors to permanently set into the fibers of your fabric.
4. Machine-Wash as Usual
Toss your garment into the wash with a laundry detergent pod with cool water, set it to the appropriate cycle, and let your machine work its magic.
If the stain is still lingering around after washing, repeat the steps before tossing your garment in the dryer. Just like hot water can set stains, heat from your dryer can bake stains into clothes.
Trust us, it’s better to be thorough now than to cry over a permanent reminder of your manicure mishap.
Common Questions About Removing Nail Polish Stains from Clothes
If you’re panicked about a nail polish stain, you’re not alone. Here are some questions we get a lot here at Laundry Sauce.
Does Nail Polish Permanently Stain Clothes?
Technically yes—nail polish can permanently stain clothes if not treated promptly and correctly. However, with the right techniques and products, most stains can be removed. The key is to act fast and avoid heat at all costs.
How Do You Get Dried Nail Polish Out of Clothes?
To remove dried nail polish, start by gently scraping off any excess polish. Then, use a non-acetone nail polish remover to blot the stain, followed by rinsing with soap and cold water. Repeat as necessary before washing the garment as usual.
Does Hydrogen Peroxide Remove Nail Polish from Clothes?
We don’t recommend using hydrogen peroxide for removing nail polish from clothes. It can help with other types of stains but might not be effective against the specific components of nail polish. Stick to non-acetone nail polish remover for best results.
Will Acetone Bleach Clothes?
Yes, acetone can bleach and damage clothes, especially those made from synthetic fabrics like nylon. It’s powerful and can ruin the fabric's color and texture if used carelessly. Always test on a small, hidden area first or opt for non-acetone alternatives.
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Say No to Nail Polish Stains with Laundry Sauce
Now that you know these stain-fighting secrets, your nail polish mishap will soon be a distant memory. But let’s not stop at just looking good—your clothes deserve to smell amazing too.
That’s where Laundry Sauce comes in: the world’s best-smelling laundry detergent. On top of bio-enzymes that tackle tough stains, our pods are infused with sophisticated fragrances like Australian Sandalwood, Italian Bergamot, and Siberian Pine to ensure your garments smell as fresh and fabulous as they appear.
Stop using basic laundry products and start turning laundry day into a sensual experience.
